File as married or five years?

[Hstew 0]

Hi all -

 

About to start the paperwork and realize I am a little confused. I have been married since 2005 and had my ten year greencard since 2008. Still married to my spouse and living in the same house we have owned for 10  years. Wondering if I should file as married or because of the 5 year rule? I fit both. I am not concerned filing as married as we have;

 

2 kids

deeds with both of our names

jointly filed taxes since marriage

joint bank accounts since marriage

 

I have not traveled out of the country for 10 years, also not so much as a speeding ticket plus it is a first marriage for both of us. Thoughts? I would think the marriage would require more paperwork but it should be straight forward and I would be more inclined to lean that way?

 

Thanks!

[sd2017 18]

You are better off filing under the 5 year rule in that case as there is much less paperwork.